In 1848, Marx, supported by Engels, completed the “Communist Manifesto.” The "Communist Manifesto" attempts to explain the goals of Communism as well as the theory underlying the movement. It argues that class struggles, or the exploitation of one class by another, are the motivating force behind all historical developments. Class relationships are defined by an era`s means of production. However, these relationships eventually cease to be compatible with the developing forces of production. At this point, a revolution occurs and a new class emerges as the ruling one. This process represents the "march of history" as driven by larger economic forces.
The “Communist Manifesto” stated that all men were born free but that society put the majority of men in chains. Engels referred to the book as being the “very way of life.” In a higher phase of ideal communist society, the enslaving subordination of the individual to the division of labor and also the antithesis between mental and physical labor vanish. Labor becomes not only a means of life but life`s prime want and the productive forces increase with the all round development of the individual. All the springs of the cooperative wealth flow more abundantly."From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs!" echoes Marxism.
The nonstarters were considered the ones who wanted a free enterprise system advocating maximum productivity. Economic progress in Marxist regions has been sterile because it can imagine no change except through the extension of Marx`s ideology — the argument that the elimination of social classes cannot come about through reforms or changes in government, but rather, a revolution is required. Indeed, some forms of neo-Marxism resemble little more than a giant "conspiracy theory," whereby a capitalist ruling class is able to manipulate other classes in society for their own ends and benefits.
Marxist society greatly undervalues non-economic forces and wraps a great deal of belief in an economic shell at the expense of non-economic issues. In fact, modern industrial society in specific is characterized by class conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. However, the theory that productive forces of capitalism are quickly ceasing to be compatible with this exploitative relationship is greatly over emphasized. More importantly, much Marxism — both old and modern — has tended to ignore the role and position of women in society. Women tend to be marginalized in much Marxist theorizing, possibly because of the focus upon work relationships. This criticism is irrelevant and obsolete in current context. In comparison, capitalism, however, as an economic and political system, has proven to be more durable and flexible than Marx imagined.